Are You Sure You Want to Eat That?

Don't reuse platters that have held raw meat until you wash them thoroughly.

Ocean Dangers

Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Shore breaks happen when waves break directly onto the beach, and they can cause spinal cord injuries in surfers.

Choose a beach with a lifeguard, who can tell you about water conditions.

Sneaker waves, found on the West Coast, come out of nowhere and sweep away people standing on dry land. Although most common in winter, they can strike when weather is sunny and calm. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Brain-Eating Amoeba

This tiny organism lives in lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It enters through your nose and can cause a rare, fatal brain infection.

The only way to prevent infection is to avoid swimming in warm fresh water. If you do get in the water, don't put your head under. You can also reduce the risk by wearing nose clips, especially if you are going to jump in, which can send water up your nose.

Grills

What's summer without outdoor cooking? Just follow some simple rules:

Keep your grill away from buildings and branches.

Don't let grease build up.

Never leave your grill unattended.

Keep kids and pets away.

Does yours use propane? Test for leaks before the season starts. If you ever smell gas while you're cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department.

West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes are more than a bother. They can spread West Nile virus. Most people who get the virus have no symptoms at all. But very serious and sometimes fatal illness can happen in less than 1% of those infected.

The only way to avoid West Nile is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear mosquito repellent and, if weather permits, long pants and long sleeves outside from dusk to dawn.

At home, get rid of standing water in birdbaths, buckets, and tire swings. They're breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Ouch, My Foot!

One minute you're strolling barefoot. The next, you're in pain. Puncture wounds happen more often in summer, when bare feet meet nails, glass, toothpicks, and seashells.

The biggest problem is infection. Heat, swelling, and drainage are signs that need quick medical attention. You may also need to update your tetanus shot.

Sunburn

Always wear sunscreen. Avoid the sun's strongest rays during the middle of the day. Wear clothes that protect your arms and legs, and a hat that shields your face, ears, and neck. Reapply sunscreen every 3 hours, or more often if you get sweaty or swim. (There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.) Remember, even a tan is sun damage.

Extreme Heat

It's hot! That's not just uncomfortable. It can make you sick. Take special care with children and the elderly, because their bodies don't cool as well.

Wear loose clothes, don't exercise at the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated. Symptoms of heat-related illness may include cramps, nausea, and pale moist skin. Go to a cooler place, drink fluids, and put cool cloths on the skin. If you are not getting better or if you have more serious symptoms such as high fever, fast heart rate, warm and dry skin, confusion, change in behavior, or convulsions, call 911.

Pool Risks

Teach kids to swim, always watch them closely at the pool, and keep pools fenced. Don't mix drinking with fun in and around the water. Alcohol affects your balance and judgment.

Sources:

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REFERENCES:

American Podiatric Medical Association: "Flip-Flops."

National Park Service: "Staying Safe Around Bears."

Consumer Product Safety Commission Fact Sheet: "Power Lawn Mowers."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "7 Dangers at the Beach."